ALABAMA - ARKANSAS - ILLINOIS - KENTUCKY - LOUISIANA - MISSISSIPPI - MISSOURI - TENNESSEE

Delta Regional Authority 2020 Year in Review 
2 3

Delta Regional Authority

Office of the Federal Co-Chairman

While 2020 may have been one of the most challenging years since the Delta Regional Authority’s creation, as I reflect back, I am proud of the accomplishments achieved under difficult circumstances.

My greatest responsibility over the year was ensuring the agency responds to the needs of the DRA community by placing strategic investments where they 

would have the most impact. DRA has invested more money into our region this year than any before. Through our flagship grant programs, nearly $28 

million was invested in 94 projects which are anticipated to create and retain over 10,000 jobs, train over 8,000 individuals, and affect 73,260 families. 

Beyond the investments we have made, I am most proud of the innovative partnerships we have cultivated to maximize our impact and reach. One of my 

highest priorities has been to invest in industry-driven workforce development projects. Not only does this ensure we are training DRA residents with the 

skills they need to access sustainable career paths, but it also ensures that we are addressing the skills gap for our region’s employers so they can continue 

to grow and expand with the global economy. 

In a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Workforce 

Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative has been a great success. Designed to meet the unique workforce development challenges of rural and 

economically distressed communities in the Delta and Appalachian regions, this year $14.5 million was invested into 13 programs to expand the impact of 

workforce development efforts in a second round of grant funding. For rural communities to be competitive today, we must ensure economic development 

and skills development go hand in hand, and the WORC initiative helps bridge these two vital pieces. 

To complement the WORC initiative and better address the needs of small and rural organizations facilitating industry-specific workforce training, 

DRA established the Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP). In 2020, DWP invested more than $1.6 million into 13 programs and initiatives which 

will transform the lives of DRA residents and strengthen our region’s economy.

I am proud of the improvements we have made to the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. In partnership with Arkansas State 

University’s Delta Center for Economic Development, the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business and the University of Louisiana Monroe, DRA has built a robust executive leadership development program which in 2020 graduated 31 leaders from diverse backgrounds, 

sectors, and industries. As a result of their participation, these leaders are prepared to go back to their communities armed with the skills and 

knowledge needed to improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the region. Upon the graduation of our 15th Executive Academy class last year, DRA’s Delta Leadership Network – the alumni group for all DLI graduates – now boasts more than 600 leaders from all eight 

DRA states. 

Most importantly, I am proud of the DRA staff and their dedication to carrying out our agency’s mission. Together, we have made tremendous 

progress by carrying out these critical investments to strengthen the human and physical infrastructure of the DRA region so our communities can 

compete now and in the future economy.

In looking back on the past year, I am awed by the resiliency of the American people. In looking forward, I know our best days are ahead of us. 

Thank you,

Christopher R. Caldwell

2020 Year in Review Message from the Federal Co-Chairman
4

5

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

About this Publication 7

DRA Leadership 8-9

Investing in the Delta 10-17

Federal Investment Programs 11

Total State Investments | FY 2020 13

Rural Investment Report | FY 2020 15

Opportunity Zone Investments | FY 2020 17

Strategic Investments 18-33

Alabama 18-19

Arkansas 20-21

Illinois 22-23

Kentucky 24-25

Louisiana 26-27

Mississippi 28-29

Missouri 30-31

Tennessee 32-33

RCAP 34-35

Strengthening the Delta Workforce 36-37

Delta Workforce Program 37

Promoting a Healthy Delta 38-41

Delta Doctors 39

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program 41

Empowering Delta Leadership 42-45

Delta Leadership Institute 43

Delta Leadership Network 45

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships 46-49

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities 47 

White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council 49

Administration & Operations 50-53

Accountability & Operational Excellence 51

DRA Leadership and Staff 53

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries - State Investments 54-81

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries - Delta Workforce Grant Program 82-85

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties and Parishes 86-89

Economically Distressed Counties and Parishes 89
6 7

2020 Year in Review About this Publication

The Delta Regional Authority presents its 2020 Year in Review, which serves as the agency’s annual report to the U.S. 

Congress. This publication highlights DRA’s strategic investments and priority programs in the past year. You will find 

details about the many programs and initiatives DRA supported in 2020, including an index of the individual projects 

DRA funded throughout the year. 

The federal programs and region-wide initiatives included in this report are part of DRA’s mission to help create jobs, 

build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million residents in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state 

DRA region.

The report highlights:

• Key investments in each state that support basic public infrastructure and transportation infrastructure to rural 

 residents, provide quality workforce training and education for job seekers, and improve opportunities for 

 entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and thrive in the DRA region.

• Strategic programs and regionwide initiatives that are increasing workforce competitiveness and community 

 capacity, such as the Delta Workforce Program and the Delta Leadership Institute.

• Agency efforts to invest in targeted economic and community development projects driven by outcomes and supported 

 by public-private partnership that are essential for DRA communities to compete in the modern economy.

“We have seen firsthand the positive impact these economic development investments bring to Delta communities and are excited to 

continue strengthening our communities through these investments in 2020.”

 - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority
8 9

Board of Governors Designees & Alternates

DRA Leadership

ALABAMA

Designee - Kenneth Boswell

kenneth.boswell@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 242-5090

Alternate - Crystal Talley

crystal.talley@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 353-2630

ARKANSAS

Designee - Clint O’Neal

coneal@arkansasedc.com

(501) 682-7350

ILLINOIS

Designee - Brandi Bradley

bnbradley2012@gmail.com

(618) 889-3510

KENTUCKY

Designee - Dennis Keene

dennis.keene@ky.gov

(502) 573-2382

LOUISIANA

Designee - Leslie Durham

leslie.durham@la.gov

(225) 362-2731

MISSISSIPPI

Designee - Anne Hall Brashier

AnneHall.Brashier@GovReeves.ms.gov

(601) 359-3150

MISSOURI

Designee - Luke Holtschneider

luke.holtschneider@ded.mo.gov

(573) 751-4999

TENNESSEE

Designee - Brooxie Carlton

brooxie.carlton@tn.gov

(615) 741-8806

Alternate - Brian Kelsey

brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov

(615) 741-3036

“I’m honored to have been selected by my peers to serve as co-chairman and look forward 

to working closely with Federal Co-Chairman Caldwell. I am from a rural parish and understand the needs first-hand as well as the rich contributions these vital communities make to 

our state and nation. That’s why as I begin my second term in office, I have put a renewed 

focus on helping revitalize our struggling rural areas. The DRA continues to be a leader in 

expanding growth in the Delta and improving the lives of the people who call these regions 

home, and I am committed to building on that success.”

 – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, DRA States’ Co-Chair 

Chris R. Caldwell

Federal Co-Chairman

Governor

John Bel Edwards

States’ Co-Chairman

Governor 

Kay Ivey

Governor 

Mike Parson

Governor

Andy Beshear 

Governor 

Tate Reeves

Governor 

J.B. Pritzker

Governor 

Asa Hutchinson

Governor 

Bill Lee

Governor 

John Bel

Edwards

 ALABAMA ARKANSAS ILLINOIS KENTUCKY 

 LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI TENNESSEE
10 11

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SEDAP)

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is DRA’s primary investment program. In 2020, DRA had $27.9 

million in available funding to invest in combination with more than $491.8 million in other public and private sector 

dollars. These SEDAP investments are subject to Federal Priority Eligibility Criteria and must help improve the following 

for our Delta communities:

Investing in the Delta

“DRA funding provides community and regional investments focusing on our priorities of basic public infrastructure, transportation 

infrastructure, workforce development, and small business development and entrepreneurship. We have seen firsthand the positive 

impact these economic development investments bring to DRA communities and are excited to continue strengthening our 

communities through these investments in 2020.” - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

SEDAP INVESTMENTS

• At least 50% must be used for transportation and basic 

 public infrastructure.

• At least 75% must be made in counties and parishes that 

 are economically distressed.

Federal Investment Programs

Investing in the Delta

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (CIF)

These investments strengthen the economic viability 

of our Delta communities. In 2020, DRA had $15 

million in funding available to address flood control, 

basic public infrastructure, and local transportation 

infrastructure improvements that enhance local and 

regional economies throughout the DRA region.

PUBLIC WORKS & ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development 

Administration made $3 million of its 2020 Public Works and 

Economic Adjustment Assistance program available to DRA. This 

program supports rural communities by investing in projects 

that leverage existing regional assets and the implementation 

of community development strategies that advance economic 

prosperity in distressed regions.
12 13

Investing in the Delta

“I want to thank DRA for their partnership in Alabama, and I am confident that this funding will be leveraged to help create stronger 

and more vibrant communities across our state.” - U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama

Total State Investments | 2020

Investing in the Delta

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 94

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 27,987,444

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 52,011,267

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

10,344

9,471

73,260

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 439,743,795

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD

ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS

CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON

DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS

CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD

DRA projects 2002-2019

Projects awarded in 2020

Delta Workforce Program
14 15

Investing in the Delta Rural Investment Report | 2020

Investing in the Delta

“As our economy continues to recover, it is important to create ecosystems that support industry-driven workforce development. The 

awarded programs have committed to building a skilled workforce in the DRA region by collaborating with industry partners to develop 

innovative strategies that will ultimately strengthen the region’s economic outlook.” - Chris Caldwell, DRA Federal Co-Chairman The United States Department of Agriculture defines rural communities as those with a population of less 

than 50,000 residents. In 2020, over 84% of DRA funds were invested in rural communities throughout 

the eight-state DRA region.

NOTE: All figures are based on 

the city of the awardee.

30.0%

$8.4M

26.4%

$7.4M

25.4%

$7.1M

2.2%

$626K

15.9%

$4.5M
16 17

Investing in the Delta Opportunity Zone Investments | 2020

Investing in the Delta

“Our goal is to rebuild homes, schools, businesses, and communities that need it the most.” - President Donald J. Trump

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD

ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS

CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON

DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS

CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD

WHAT ARE OPPORTUNITY ZONES?

The Opportunity Zones incentive is a new

community investment tool established by

Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 

2017 to encourage long-term investments

in low-income urban and rural communities

nationwide. Opportunity Zones provide a tax 

incentive for investors to re-invest their 

unrealized capital gains into catalytic projects.

Opportunity Zone projects

awarded in 2020

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 21

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 3,754,770

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 4,777,289

Approved Investments | 2020

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 43,000,000
18 19

Strategic Investments

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Project Nautilus

The City of Atmore will use DRA funds to construct a new rail 

spur and transload yard to serve a new peanut processing plant 

facility. This investment is projected to create 100 new jobs, 

retain 70 jobs, and train 100 individuals. 

DRA Investment: $307,071

Total Project Investment: $84,620,371

Atmore, AL

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 10

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 2,276,745

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 5,213,677

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

318

1,323

4,219

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 180,000,000
20 21

Strategic Investments

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Sharp County Building Renovation

Sharp County, Arkansas will use DRA funds to renovate 

and upgrade a 277,000 square foot building to support 

business development. This investment is projected to 

create 200 new jobs.

DRA Investment: $307,000

Total Project Investment: $27,807,000

Ash Flat, AR

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 16

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 5,325,649

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 23,601,442

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

4,432

5,081

6,369

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 176,724,830
22 23

Strategic Investments

ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Southeastern Illinois College Advanced

Virtual Reality Nursing Training

Southeastern Illinois College will use DRA funds to purchase 

new virtual reality technology and simulator system to train 

nursing students. This investment is projected to retain six jobs 

and train 110 individuals. 

DRA Investment: $59,337

Total Project Investment: $110,548 

Harrisburg, IL

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

9

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 1,686,229

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 636,472

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

4,223

290

48

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 1,500,000
24 25

Strategic Investments

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Henderson County Broadband Upgrade

The Henderson County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to 

upgrade three broadband communications stations to improve 

services to residents and businesses.

DRA Investment: $339,320

Total Project Investment: $339,320

Henderson, KY

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 11

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 4,755,270

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 3,885,200

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

80

433

32,477

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 8,000,000
26 27

Strategic Investments

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Lafourche Parish Pump Stations Fuel Tank Upgrade

The Lafourche Parish Government will use DRA funds to 

replace 20 single-skinned fuel tanks with new double-skinned 

fuel tanks to improve services to residents. This investment is 

projected to affect 7,881 families. 

DRA Investment: $136,405

Total Project Investment: $167,405 

Thibodaux, LA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 19

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 4,674,091

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 2,777,830

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

690

602

15,072

Anticipated Outcomes
28 29

Strategic Investments

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Electrical Lineworker Training Facility Construction 

Homes Community College will use DRA funds to construct a 

new electrical lineman training facility and emergency 

preparedness staging area. This investment is projected 

to train 150 individuals.

DRA Investment: $256,500

Total Project Investment: $556,500

Goodman, MS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 17

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 4,982,686

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 13,099,299

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

371

1,382

7,497

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 9,518,965
30 31

Strategic Investments

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Digital Workforce Training & Employment Initiative

The Marquette Tech District Foundation will use DRA funds to 

provide software engineering training, internships, and entrance 

into a National Rural Source Employment network. This 

investment is projected to create 24 new jobs and train 

150 individuals.

DRA Investment: $170,650

Total Project Investment: $370,650

Cape Girardeau, MO

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

4

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 671,389

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 309,585

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

43

150

785

Anticipated Outcomes
32 33

Strategic Investments

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

FY 2020 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Agricenter International Innovation District

Agricenter International will use DRA funds to construct 

infrastructure to expand an agricultural research park and 

provide opportunities for business expansion. 

DRA Investment: $400,000

Total Investment: $500,000

Memphis, TN

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

8

DRA INVESTMENT:

$ 3,615,385

PUBLIC INVESTMENT: $ 2,487,762

Approved Investments | 2020

Jobs Created & Retained

Individuals Trained

Families Affected

187

170

6,793

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE INVESTMENT: $ 64,000,000
34 35

Strategic Investments

RCAP

Rural Communities Advancement Program

Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, DRA uses the Rural Communities 

Advancement Program (RCAP) to support agency programs and region-wide initiatives that build the capacity of rural 

residents, while simultaneously improving the economic opportunities of their communities. This funding is directed 

to communities and counties with a population of 50,000 or less.

Under the leadership of the Federal Co-Chairman, DRA utilizes the majority of its RCAP funding to implement the 

region-wide initiatives that address the complexity of rural needs through innovative economic and community 

development strategies. Examples of programs and initiatives funded through this program include the Delta 

Workforce Program and the Delta Leadership Institute.

DRA allocates the remaining RCAP funds towards projects submitted to DRA by USDA-RD State Directors from 

each of the eight states. Last year, DRA provided a total of $320,000 to USDA-Rural Development State Directors 

($40,000 per state in each of the eight states) to fund eligible projects in designated persistent poverty counties.

Since 2003, DRA has successfully applied for more than $44 million in RCAP funding which has 

supported more than 310 projects throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region.

RCAP
36 37

Strengthening the Delta Workforce

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) targets federal resources towards 

communities in the DRA region particularly hard hit by industrial downsizing, 

business closures, and job losses as a result of the public health and economic 

crisis. More specifically, DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a 

more vibrant economic future for the region by expanding job training and 

re-employment opportunities, aligning workforce and economic development 

strategies, creating sustainable talent pipelines, establishing or enhancing 

locally/regionally significant public-private partnerships, and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through 

investments in innovative programming.

In 2020, DRA invested more than $1.6 million into 13 projects to support industry-driven training initiatives in six 

DRA states. The 2020 DWP grant awardees are:

• Restore Hope, Inc (Little Rock, AR) • Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation 

• Southeast Arkansas College (Pine Bluff, AR) (Portageville, MO)

• Green River Area Development District (Owensboro, KY) • Missouri State University – West Plains 

• West Kentucky Community & Technical College (Paducah, KY) (West Plains, MO)

• West Kentucky Community & Technical College (Paducah, KY) • ProGeny Place (Memphis, TN) 

• Research Park Corporation (Baton Rouge, LA) • Rural Health Association of Tennessee 

• theCo (Jackson, TN) (Decaturville, TN)

• Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, LA) 

• University of Holy Cross (New Orleans, LA)

• Griot Arts (Clarksdale, MS) 

Strengthening the Delta Workforce

“Initiatives like ADWORC have the potential to generate dramatic economic growth in the Delta. A highly skilled, well-trained labor 

force is key to attracting new well-paying jobs to a community and this effort is designed to create that economic environment. It will 

help grow our communities, improve quality of life and advance economic opportunities in the region.” 

 - U.S. Senator John Boozman, Arkansas

Delta Workforce Program
38 39

Promoting a Healthy Delta

In partnership with the U.S. Department of State, DRA’s Delta Doctors program helps address the health 

disparities and high levels of health professional shortages by granting J-1 visa waivers for physicians who 

are willing to provide medical services in distressed DRA communities. The program allows foreign physicians 

who are trained in the United States to work in medically underserved areas for three years, but most doctors 

placed through this program choose to continue serving their communities beyond their three-year commitment. 

Physicians participating in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs away from U.S.-born physicians, but 

instead provide services in areas where there would otherwise be a shortage of physicians, increasing access to 

affordable, quality healthcare. In 2020, DRA processed 173 applications for the Delta Doctors program.

Promoting a Healthy Delta

 “Combating the woes of limited access to healthcare is vital to the economic development, sustainability, and growth in Delta

communities, which is why we are investing as an agency in providing more access and higher quality of care.”

 - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

Delta Doctors

2020 DELTA DOCTORS OUTCOMES
40 41

Promoting a Healthy Delta

“President Trump has made it a priority to strengthen rural health infrastructure and promote the health of rural Americans. As someone 

who grew up in rural America and with rural healthcare providers in my family, I know the challenges they face, and I know there’s a need 

for transformation.” - Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program

Promoting a Healthy Delta

Participating Facilities:

DRA collaborates with the Health Resources & Services 

Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services on a technical assistance program that 

enhances healthcare delivery in the DRA region. The 

program supports providers in select rural communities, 

including critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, 

rural health clinics and other healthcare organizations.

Assistance includes:

• Improving hospital or clinic financial operations

• Implementing quality-improvement activities 

 to promote the development of an evidence-based 

 culture leading to improved health outcomes

• Increasing use of telehealth to address gaps in 

 clinical service delivery and improve access to care

• Ensuring access to and availability of emergency 

 medical services

• Identifying workforce recruitment and retention 

 resources targeted to rural communities

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD

ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

ST. GENEVIEVE

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS

CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON

DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS

CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD
42 43

Empowering Delta Leadership

The Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy is an executive leadership development program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from 

all eight DRA states to improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the 

Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Since 2005, DLI has been empowering regional leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to address local and 

regional challenges, improve decision-making and policy development, and strengthen leadership capacity and mutual 

understanding of regional, state, and local cultures and issues. 

DLI is a program of DRA in partnership with three institutions of higher education in the Delta region: the University of 

Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The ten-month DLI Executive Academy 

program is designed to provide professional leadership development and policy training in the issues most challenging to 

DRA communities. The Executive Academy held six sessions 

in 2019-2020 that focused on public-private partnerships, 

transportation and infrastructure, asset-based development, 

small business and entrepreneurship, health and access, and 

public policy and innovative partnerships. 

In September, DLI graduated 31 fellows from its fifteenth class.

“The Delta Leadership Institute produces well-trained leaders who commit themselves to growing our communities throughout the 

region. I would like to congratulate all of DLI’s graduates, and I want to thank them for their commitment to the Delta and the rural 

parts of our country. I can’t wait to see the ways in which these graduates will use their new skill sets to improve the lives of the 

hardworking families in our rural communities.” - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards

Delta Leadership Institute

Empowering Delta Leadership

2019 - 2020 DLI Executive Academy Sessions:

Orientation | Natchez, MS

Session II | New Orleans, LA

Session III | Little Rock, AR

Session IV | Chattanooga, TN *

Session V | Paducah, KY *

Graduation | Memphis, TN *

* Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Sessions IV, V, 

and Graduation were held virtually.
44 45

Empowering Delta Leadership

The Delta Leadership Network (DLN) comprises of DLI Executive 

Academy alumni and is tasked with maintaining relationships among 

regional leaders so as to foster regional collaboration, resource sharing, 

and continued education to help these leaders address the DRA region’s 

most pressing issues.

With more than 600 community leaders comprising the DLN, alumni 

continue their engagement with the Delta Leadership Institute at state 

meetings, the Delta Leadership Network annual conference, and by attending and supporting DLI Executive Academy 

sessions in their state and region.

2019-2020 Regional Advisory Council

“In possibly the most uncertain year of our lifetime, the Delta and its leaders have stayed united in purpose. The Delta Leadership 

Network’s membership represents the best of our region and the stability of their commitment has provided great leadership. I’m 

encouraged for the next year, the opportunities the Delta will have is due to the work and strength of those who have shouldered the 

burdens of the past year, and we are thankful for them.” - Travis Martin, DLN Regional Advisory Committee 2019-2020 Chairman

Delta Leadership Network

Empowering Delta Leadership

Travis Martin, Chairman

TN, 2015-2016

Max Snyder

AL, 2015-2016

Winfield Ezell, Jr.

AL, 2016-2017

Len Blaylock

AR, 2017-2018

Kay Brockwell

AR, 2007-2008

Martin Rowe

IL, 2013-2014

Andrew Sisulak

IL, 2016-2017

Greg Curlin

KY, 2016-2017

Mark Lee

KY, 2015-2016

David Cavell

LA, 2017-2018

AJ Walker

LA, 2016-2017

Mani Hairston

MS, 2016-2017

Ruth Nichols

MS, 2013-2014

David Wyman

MO, 2016-2017

Kris Klaus

MO, 2015-2016

Lori Nolen

TN, 2017-2018
46 47

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and 

Training Administration (ETA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), 

approximately $29.2 million in grants was made available under the Workforce 

Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative to support workforce training 

and education in rural communities across the DRA and ARC regions.

Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WORC grants take 

a long-term view toward assisting eligible communities in diversifying their 

economies and expanding partnerships by investing in local strategies developed 

by regional partners. DOL awardees align and integrate workforce development 

activities with existing state, regional, or community development strategies. Ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 

million, the grants can also help serve those receiving employment and training services from organizations in 

regions affected by the opioid crisis.

In 2020, the second round of WORC grants, DOL invested nearly $14.6 million into 13 projects in all eight states 

across the DRA region to support workforce training programs demonstrating significant industry engagement.

“Workforce development programs are an invaluable tool for helping people get the skills they need to get ahead. The WORC 

initiative is creating more opportunities in underserved areas by providing reemployment and training assistance. As chairman of the 

appropriations subcommittee that started this program, I’ll continue prioritizing resources for this program and other initiatives that 

boost economic growth in rural areas.” - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Missouri

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities
48 49

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

Established by Executive Order in December 2018, the White House 

Opportunity and Revitalization Council’s (WHORC) Federal member agencies, 

including DRA, engage with governments at all levels on ways to more 

effectively use taxpayer dollars to revitalize low-income communities. 

Additionally, the Council seeks to improve revitalization efforts by 

streamlining, coordinating, and targeting existing Federal programs to 

Opportunity Zones – economically distressed communities where new 

investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.

To date, WHORC members have identified over one hundred and sixty Federal programs where targeting, 

preference, or additional support could be granted to Opportunity Zones, more than fifty of which have already 

begun working on this initiative. DRA is committed investing in rural communities and supporting WHORC in 

successfully implementing the OZ program. Eligible organizations located in the DRA footprint are able to utilize 

SEDAP funding (up to 10% of each state’s funding allocation) to support activities such as the development of an 

investment prospectus or a GIS database to better market their communities and potential projects to interested 

investors.

In 2020, DRA invested over $3.7 million in 21 projects throughout the DRA region located in qualified Opportunity 

Zones, capitalizing on more than $47.7 million in total project investment.

“Beyond the investments we have made, I am most proud of the innovative partnerships we have cultivated to maximize our impact 

and our reach.” - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
50 51

The Delta Regional Authority is committed to being a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars, and it recognizes its institutional 

focus to be fiscally responsible and effective in making investments into economic and community development projects 

while it works to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black 

Belt regions.

DRA conducts annual audits with a certified 

audit firm to ensure compliance and 

accountability. DRA will continue to ensure 

strong accountability, transparency, and 

operational excellence.

Administration & Operations Transparency & Accountability

Administration & Operations

Delta Regional Authority Offices

Regional Headquarters 

236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400 

Clarksdale, MS 38614 

(662) 624-8600 

400 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 365 

Washington, DC 20001 

(202) 434-4870

501 Woodlane Drive, Suite 303N

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-7392
52 53

LEADERSHIP

Chris Caldwell

Federal Co-Chairman

chairman@dra.gov

Brian Henson

Chief of Staff

(202) 434-4871

bhenson@dra.gov

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Kemp Morgan

Director of Project Development & Management

(662) 483-8210

kmorgan@dra.gov

Amanda Allen

Senior Project Manager, SEDAP

(662) 483-8203

aallen@dra.gov

Staresha Hoskins

Program Manager, RCAP

(662) 483-8212

shoskins@dra.gov

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

Aury Kangelos

Program Manager, Delta Workforce Program 

(901) 484-8204

akangelos@dra.gov

Sea Talantis

Program Manager, Delta Leadership Institute

(205) 603-3686

stalantis@dra.gov

Christina Wade

Program Manager, Health Initiatives

(662) 302-7339

cwade@dra.gov

Susan Edwards

Program Analyst

(501) 682-7392

sedwards@dra.gov

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Shawna Blair

Director of Communications & Public Engagement

(202) 515-1354

sblair@dra.gov

ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS

Charles Buchanan

Director of Finance & Administration

(662) 483-8202

cbuchanan@dra.gov

Mandy Guin

Administrative Manager

(205) 650-0975

mguin@dra.gov

Alonda Jackson

Accounting & Human Resources Supervisor

(662) 483-8204

ajackson@dra.gov

Anita Stasher

Monitoring & Compliance Specialist

(662) 483-8209

astasher@dra.gov

Ted Connell

Legal Counsel

(662) 627-9641

tconnell@merkel-cocke.com

Administration & Operations DRA Leadership & Staff

Administration & Operations
54 55

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

York Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation | York, AL

DRA Investment: $259,530; Total Investment: $259,530

The City of York will use DRA funds to rehabilitate the sewer system in the downtown business district to improve services for local 

businesses and residents. This investment is projected to affect 985 families. 

Marion Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Phase 2 | Marion, AL

DRA Investment: $201,253; Total Investment: $201,253

The City of Marion will use DRA funds to repair and replace wastewater treatment plant equipment to improve services for local 

residents and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 1,080 families. 

Rural Black Belt Workforce and Business Development Center | Livingston, AL

DRA Investment: $418,100; Total Investment: $800,477

The University of West Alabama will use DRA funds to establish the Rural Black Belt Workforce and Business Development Center 

to support and foster the growth of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses in the Alabama Black Belt. This investment is 

projected to create 36 jobs, retain 12 jobs, and train 1,200 individuals. 

Community Infrastructure Fund

Town of Lowndesboro Water Systems Improvements | Lowndesboro, AL

DRA Investment: $353,258; Total Investment: $353,258

The Town of Lowndesboro will use DRA funds to replace the original water system. The project will begin at the existing elevated 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ALABAMA 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Town of Hayneville Sanitary Sewer and Lagoon Improvements | Hayneville, AL

DRA Investment: $306,042; Total Investment: $306,042

The Town of Hayneville will use DRA funds to rehabilitate four existing sanitary sewer system lift stations to improve services for local 

residents and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 393 families. 

MMI Public Safety and Career Development Complex Refurbishment | Marion, AL

DRA Investment: $52,500; Total Investment: $98,000

The Marion Military Institute (MMI) will use DRA funds to refurbish and upgrade a newly acquired facility for conversion into MMI’s 

Public Safety Career Development Complex. This investment is projected to train 20 individuals. 

Project Nautilus | Atmore, AL

DRA Investment: $307,071; Total Investment: $84,620,371

The City of Atmore will use DRA funds to construct a new rail spur and transload yard to serve a new peanut processing plant facility. 

This investment is projected to create 100 new jobs, retain 70 jobs, and train 100 individuals. 
56 57

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ARKANSAS 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Caraway Water Project | Caraway, AR

DRA Investment: $183,275; Total Investment: $183,275

The City of Caraway will use DRA funds to improve the City’s water storage tank to add a mechanical mixer and install an overflow 

pipe and manway to increase safety for local residents. This investment is projected to affect 529 families. 

Hughes Sewer Treatment Improvements | Hughes, AR

DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Investment: $1,029,000

The Town of Hughes will use DRA funds to rebuild sewage treatment sand filters to help meet state-mandated discharge 

requirements. This investment is projected to affect 650 families.

Trumann Infrastructure Improvements | Trumann, AR

DRA Investment: $117,881; Total Investment: $192,881

The City of Trumann will use DRA funds to replace two water pumps to support local residents, promote and retain jobs, and 

encourage commercial and tourist development. This investment is projected to affect 2,616 families.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

storage tank on School Street and N. Broad Street. This investment is projected to affect 380 families. 

North Clarke Signalization Project | Grove Hill, AL

DRA Investment: $297,405; Total Investment: $100,419,905

The Clarke County Commission will use DRA funds to install signalization and lighting to serve the entrance of the North Park Industrial 

Park from U.S. Highway 43. This investment is projected to create 100 jobs. 

Union Springs GIS Parcel Tax/Service Line Mapping Project | Union Springs, AL

DRA Investment: $43,313; Total Investment: $43,313

The City of Union Springs will use DRA funds to build GIS maps to include Parcel Tax maps, service lines, and updated geographical 

and vertical data of existing lines. This investment is projected to train three individuals and affect 1,381 families. 

Storm Water Collection System Improvements | Hurtsboro, AL

DRA Investment: $38,2733; Total Investment: $388,273

The Town of Hurtsboro will use DRA funds to reduce localized flooding by repairing storm water collection system to help promote 

health, safety, and sustainable economic development.
58 59

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Arkansas Rural Health Partnership Healthcare Workforce Training & Education Center | Lake Village, AR

DRA Investment: $35,000; Total Investment: $90,000

The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership will use DRA funds to increase and improve the workforce for hospitals, rural health clinics, and 

community health centers throughout the Arkansas Delta region. This investment is projected to create 250 new jobs, retain 2,000 

jobs, and train 5,000 individuals.

Sharp County Building Renovation | Ash Flat, AR

DRA Investment: $307,000; Total Investment: $27,807,000

Sharp County, Arkansas will use DRA funds to renovate and upgrade a 277,000 square foot building to support business development.

This investment is projected to create 200 new jobs. 

WFA Regional Women’s Economic Mobility Hub | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $100,000; Total Investment: $270,000

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas will use DRA funds to create capacity around a Women’s Regional Economic Mobility Hub to 

support the economic mobility of women business owners in Arkansas, particularly low-income women and women of color. This 

investment is projected to create one new job and retain 25 jobs.

Helena Harbor Surface Transportation Improvement Project | Helena, AR

DRA Investment: $528,922; Total Investment: $558,922

The Helena-West Helena/Phillips County Port Authority will use DRA funds to rehabilitate a portion of the rail and road systems serving 

Helena Harbor to enhance the ability of existing business to expand and create new jobs. This investment is projected to create 15 

new jobs and retain 100 jobs.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Warren Pump Station Project | Warren, AR

DRA Investment: $296,515; Total Investment: $3,984,876

The City of Warren will use DRA funds to install two water pump stations along Highway 278 to support local residents and allow 

for future economic development and expansion. This investment is projected to create 80 new jobs, retain 120 jobs, and affect 2,273 

families.

Lake Village Railroad Siding Project | Lake Village, AR

DRA Investment: $155,051; Total Investment: $155,051

The Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District will use DRA funds to construct a railroad siding to maximize existing rail 

transportation and increase transportation efficiency. This investment is projected to retain three jobs.

Peebles Organic Infrastructure Improvements | Augusta, AR

DRA Investment: $228,634; Total Investment: $533,464

The City of Augusta will use DRA funds to replace an existing roof and insulation and install electrical improvements on an agricultural 

produce storing facility. This investment is projected to create four new jobs and retain 47 jobs.

Certified Medical Billing Program | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $211,856; Total Investment: $987,445

The World Service for the Blind will use DRA funds to place Arkansas residents who are blind and visually impaired in medical billing 

jobs in 27 medical facilities across 41 distressed Arkansas counties. This investment is projected to create 27 new jobs and train 81 

individuals.
60 61

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Pulaski County Transportation Improvements Project | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $2,000,000; Total Investment: $166,424,496

The Pulaski County Government will use DRA funds to improve transportation components at the Little Rock Port Authority Industrial 

Park. This investment is projected to create 1,000 new jobs. 

ILLINOIS 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

CNA Workforce Training | Carmi, IL

DRA Investment: $24,255; Total Investment: $24,255

Southeastern Illinois College will use DRA funds to upgrade the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) lab used to train CNA students 

and incumbent workers. This investment is projected to create ten jobs, retain 220 jobs, and train 180 individuals. 

Industrial Park Lift Station Replacement | Marion, IL

DRA Investment: $256,500; Total Investment: $360,000

The City of Marion will use DRA funds to replace a sewage lift station and force main in its industrial park to improve services to 

businesses and residents. This investment is projected to retain 3,900 jobs and affect 28 families. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Blytheville Aviation Fuel Delivery System Upgrade | Blytheville, AR

DRA Investment: $182,765; Total Investment: $300,761

The Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority will use DRA funds to upgrade the jet fuel delivery system required by major aviation 

companies. This investment is projected to retain 50 jobs.

Crawfordsville Water Towers Project | Crawfordsville, AR

DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Investment: $406,000

The City of Crawfordsville will use DRA funds to repair two elevated water storage tanks to improve services for local residents and 

businesses. This investment is projected to affect 114 families.

Maynard Water System Improvements | Maynard, AR

DRA Investment: $57,750; Total Investment: $219,750

The Town of Maynard will use DRA funds to install a cascade aerator and high service pumps to improve services for local residents 

and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 187 families.

Community Infrastructure Fund

Technology Park Opportunity Zone Lead Rail Expansion | Jonesboro, AR

DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Investment: $2,509,000

The City of Jonesboro will use DRA funds to expand rail infrastructure at Craighead Technology Park. This investment is projected to 

create 105 new jobs and retain 405 jobs. 
62 63

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Cottonwood Slough Levee Pump Station | Cairo, IL

DRA Investment: $366,489; Total Investment: $366,489

The Cairo Drainage and Levee District will use DRA funds to replace two pumps in the Cottonwood Slough pump station to improve 

services to residents and businesses.This investment is projected to retain 55 jobs. 

Community Infrastructure Fund

Access Road – KRPD Baldwin Terminal | Red Bud, IL

DRA Investment: $241,350; Total Investment: $643,650

The Kaskaskia Regional Port District will use DRA funds to build a second access road from IL-154 to the Industrial Park at the west 

side of the property to improve services to businesses. This investment is projected to retain ten jobs. 

Combined Funding of States’ Economic Development Assistance Program and Community Infrastructure Fund

Division Street Resurfacing and Sidewalk Project | DuQuoin, IL

CIF Investment: $215,903; SEDAP Investment: $5,598

Total DRA Investment: $221,501; Total Investment: $245,429

The City of DuQuoin will use DRA funds to resurface Division Street between Poplar and Park Street and replace sidewalks to improve 

services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to retain 11 jobs. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Southeastern Illinois College Advanced Virtual Reality Nursing Training | Harrisburg, IL

DRA Investment: $59,337; Total Investment: $110,548

Southeastern Illinois College will use DRA funds to purchase new virtual reality technology and simulator system to train nursing 

students. This investment is projected to retain six jobs and train 110 individuals. 

Main Street Watermain Replacement | Sesser, IL

DRA Investment: $221,706; Total Investment: $245,656

The City of Sesser will use DRA funds to replace a watermain along Illinois Route 154/Franklin Avenue to improve services to 

businesses and residents. This investment is projected to affect 20 families.

Yates Site Improvements | Carbondale, IL

DRA Investment: $161,257; Total Investment: $178,557

The Southern Illinois Airport Authority will use DRA funds to make surface infrastructure improvements at Industrial Park Building 1 on 

airport property. This investment is projected to create two jobs and retain two jobs. 

Rough Diamond Road Project | Olmsted, IL

DRA Investment: $133,834; Total Investment: $1,648,117

The Village of Olmsted will use DRA funds to make surface infrastructure improvements to E Cedar Street and Mill Road necessary to 

support the increase of heavy truck traffic. This investment is projected to retain seven jobs. 
64 65

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Trigg County Hospital Construction Project | Cadiz, KY

DRA Investment: $105,000; Total Investment: $190,200

Trigg County Hospital, Inc. will use DRA funds to renovate its medical facility to create additional patient rooms and staff facilities to 

improve services to residents. This investment is projected to retain five jobs. 

Western Kentucky Regional Training Center | Clay, KY

DRA Investment: $357,500; Total Investment: $757,500

The Webster County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to acquire a site to expand a CDL, utility lineman, and diesel mechanic training 

program. This investment is projected to train 223 individuals. 

Sprocket Digital Workforce Training & Employment Initiative | Paducah, KY

DRA Investment: $170,650; Total Investment: $770,650

Sprocket, Inc. will use DRA funds to provide hands-on software engineering training to expand the digital workforce and economy in 

western Kentucky. This investment is projected to create 21 new jobs, retain 21 jobs, and train 120 individuals. 

Community Infrastructure Fund

Powderly Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project | Greenville, KY

DRA Investment: $1,094,800; Total Investment: $1,364,800

The City of Greenville will use DRA funds to improve its wastewater treatment plant to support future economic development in the 

Powderly, KY area and to improve services to residents. This investment is projected to affect 2,646 families. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

KENTUCKY 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Helping Hands Health Clinic Dental Equipment | Elkton, KY

DRA Investment: $42,000; Total Investment: $47,000

The Helping Hands Health Clinic, Inc. will use DRA funds to purchase equipment for an additional general dentistry workstation to 

improve services to residents. 

Henderson County Broadband Upgrade | Henderson, KY

DRA Investment: $339,320; Total Investment: $339,320

The Henderson County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to upgrade three broadband communication stations to improve services to 

residents and businesses. 

Hopkins County Broadband Project Phase 2 | Madisonville, KY

DRA Investment: $155,500; Total Investment: $325,500

The Hopkins County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to add five broadband communication sites to improve services to residents 

and businesses. 
66 67

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Tyson Foods Clearwell Project | Henderson, KY

CIF Investment: $409,000; SEDAP Investment: $100,000

Total DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Investment: $1,384,000

The City of Henderson will use DRA funds to replace the existing steel clearwell with a new pressed concrete clearwell at the South 

Water Treatment Plant to improve services to businesses and residents. This investment is projected to affect 614 families. 

LOUISIANA 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Futures Fund Coding Bootcamp Project | Baton Rouge, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Investment: $350,000

The Walls Project will use DRA funds to provide information technology and applied skills training to recently displaced or unemployed 

residents and military veterans. This investment is projected to create one new job and train 240 individuals. 

Greater New Orleans Opportunity Zones Project | New Orleans, LA

DRA Investment: $129,549; Total Investment: $253,861

The Greater New Orleans Development Foundation will use DRA funds to reassess the scope and scale of Opportunity Zone 

investment strategies and align outreach strategies with respect to COVID-19 impact. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Fulton County Industrial Park Project | Fulton, KY

DRA Investment: $761,500; Total Investment: $861,500

The Fulton County Industrial Development Authority will use DRA funds to improve surface and transportation infrastructure to the 

Fulton County Industrial Park to improve services to businesses and residents. This investment is projected to affect 1,809 families. 

Logan Todd Regional Water Commission Pump Generator Project | Guthrie, KY

DRA Investment: $711,000; Total Investment: $1,091,000

The Logan Todd Regional Water Commission will use DRA funds to update its primary intake backup generator to improve services to 

residents. This investment is projected to affect 27,408 families. 

Combined Funding of States’ Economic Development Assistance Program and Community Infrastructure Fund

Madisonville Airport Improvements Project | Madisonville, KY

CIF Investment: $420,833; SEDAP Investment: $88,167

Total DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Investment: $9,509,000

The City of Madisonville will use DRA funds to construct a 22,000 square foot hangar at the Madisonville Regional Airport to 

accommodate an aviation training program through Madisonville Community College. This investment is projected to create 30 

new jobs, retain three jobs, and train 90 individuals. 
68 69

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Highland Park Commercial Subdivision Infrastructure Improvements | West Monroe, LA

DRA Investment: $714,512; Total Investment: $899,512

The City of West Monroe will use DRA funds to install water and sewer lines, install fire hydrants, and make street improvements for 

the development of the Highland Park Commercial and Residential Subdivision. This investment is projected to create 20 new jobs and 

affect 20 families. 

Air Handler Unit Replacement | Monroe, LA

DRA Investment: $300,000; Total Investment: $478,418

St. Francis Medical Center will use DRA funds to replace ten critical care area air handler units to improve services to patients and 

decrease maintenance and operational costs. 

CommuniHealth Services | West Monroe, LA

DRA Investment: $211,840; Total Investment: $668,840

Morehouse Community Medical Centers will use DRA funds to build a primary care medical home clinic that will provide medical, 

dental, and behavioral health services and improve services to residents. This investment is projected to create 12 jobs and train 

18 individuals. 

Acadiana Opportunity Zones Project | Lafayette, LA

DRA Investment: $131,000; Total Investment: $131,000

The Acadiana Planning Commission will use DRA funds to develop strategy to leverage future public investment and facilitate and 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Springhill Sewer Main Repair | Springhill, LA

DRA Investment: $227,250; Total Investment: $277,250

The City of Springhill will use DRA funds to repair sewer main and road repairs along 11th Street NE to improve services to residents 

and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 100 families. 

Louisiana Rural Health Association Telemedicine Program | Napoleonville, LA

DRA Investment: $750,000; Total Project Investment: $1,750,000

The Louisiana Rural Health Association will use DRA funds to train rural health clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities how to 

profitably implement telemedicine services, keeping clinics open and saving jobs. This investment is projected to create 32 new jobs, 

retain 500 jobs, and train 300 individuals. 

IDEAinstitute Project | New Orleans, LA

DRA Investment: $139,366; Total Investment: $201,266

The Idea Village will use DRA funds to support educational programming for startup founders and entrepreneurs to develop viable 

businesses. This investment is projected to train 40 individuals. 

Village of Delta Economic Development Street Improvements | Delta, LA

DRA Investment: $222,000; Total Investment: $230,000

The Village of Delta will use DRA funds to reconstruct portions of St. Charles Street, Ouachita Avenue, and 2nd Street for economic 

development and to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to retain 19 jobs. 
70 71

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Community Infrastructure Fund

Tensas Water Distribution Association Waterline Relocation | Tensas, LA

DRA Investment: $222,401; Total Investment: $246,401

The Tensas Water Distribution Association will use DRA funds to relocate an existing waterline which conflicts with a USACE levee 

improvement project. This investment is projected to affect 15 families. 

City of Thibodaux Wastewater Treatment Plant Infrastructure Improvement Project | Thibodaux, LA:

DRA Investment: $155,500; Total Investment: $243,700

The City of Thibodaux will use DRA funds to improve wastewater treatment plant infrastructure to maintain compliance. This 

nvestment is projected to create one job, retain three jobs, train four individuals, and affect 5,303 families. 

Wesley Chapel and Mt. Calm Water System Project | Ruston, LA

DRA Investment: $357,500; Total Investment: $607,500

The Wesley Chapel Water System, Inc. will use DRA funds to merge the Wesley Chapel and Mt. Calm Water Systems to provide a 

sustainable water system to Northeast Bienville Parish. This investment is projected to affect 120 families. 

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements - Hodge | Hodge, LA

DRA Investment: $221,683; Total Investment: $221,683

The Village of North Hodge will use DRA funds to repair damage to the wastewater lagoon. This investment is projected to affect 

155 families. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

develop previously identified opportunity zone projects to improve business opportunities for residents. 

Gramercy Retail/Hotel Center Wastewater Treatment Project | Gramercy, LA

DRA Investment: $155,500; Total Investment: $247,500

The Town of Gramercy will use DRA funds to install a new sewer pump station and sewer collection line to connect a business service 

center to the Town’s utility system to serve new business development. This investment is projected to create 16 new jobs, retain 16 

jobs, and affect 1,278 families. 

Town of Washington Gas Line Replacement | Washington, LA

DRA Investment: $135,300; Total Investment: $135,300

The Town of Washington will use DRA funds to replace the Town’s natural gas line which crosses Bayou Courtableau. 

CORE Lab Enhancement | New Orleans, LA

DRA Investment: $83,035; Total Investment: $93,035

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center will use DRA funds to purchase new highly specialized laboratory and A/V equipment to retain 

emerging biotechnology companies and attract new business ventures. This investment is projected to create 20 new jobs and retain 

50 jobs. 
72 73

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Sanitary Sewer Extension - Copiah County Industrial Park | Hazlehurst, MS

DRA Investment: $241,350; Total Investment: $350,700

Copiah County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate a pump station and extend a sanitary sewer to improve services to residents and 

businesses. This investment is projected to retain 111 jobs. 

Electrical Lineworker Training Facility Construction | Goodman, MS

DRA Investment: $256,500; Total Investment: $556,500

Homes Community College will use DRA funds to construct a new electrical lineman training facility and emergency preparedness 

staging area. This investment is projected to train 150 individuals. 

Grenada County Access Road | Grenada, MS

DRA Investment: $319,315; Total Investment: $9,319,315

Grenada County will use DRA funds to construct an access road to Highway 51 to be used primarily by lumber trucks. This investment 

is projected to create 40 new jobs. 

NWCC Utility Line Worker Program | Senatobia, MS

DRA Investment: $100,000; Total Investment: $130,000

Northwest Mississippi Community College will use DRA funds to create a lineman training apprenticeship program. This investment is 

projected to train 32 individuals. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Dixie Inn Infrastructure Project | Dixie Inn, LA

DRA Investment: $231,250; Total Investment: $256,250

The Village of Dixie Inn will use DRA funds to construct a new additional flow equalization tank adjacent to the existing tank along with 

piping, aeration equipment, and controls. This investment is projected to affect 200 families. 

Lafourche Parish Pump Stations Fuel Tank Upgrade | Thibodaux, LA

DRA Investment: $136,405; Total Investment: $167,405

The Lafourche Parish Government will use DRA funds to replace 20 single-skinned fuel tanks with new double-skinned fuel tanks to 

improve services to residents. This investment is projected to affect 7,881 families. 

MISSISSIPPI 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Fayette Sewer Improvements | Fayette, MS

DRA Investment: $140,350; Total Investment: $140,350

The City of Fayette will use DRA funds to extend water and sewer service to the Highway 61/Highway 553 intersection and to recruit 

new businesses to the area. This investment is projected to affect 524 families.
74 75

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Friars Point 2020 Sewer Improvements | Friars Point, MS

DRA Investment: $184,531; Total Investment: $184,531

The Town of Friars Point will use DRA funds to rehabilitate two sewer lift stations to improve services to residents and businesses.

This investment is projected to affect 460 families. 

Coahoma County Saf-T-Cart Industrial Building Expansion Project | Clarksdale, MS

DRA Investment: $177,720; Total Investment: $1,077,720

Coahoma County will use DRA funds to purchase needed permanent equipment for a county-owned facility to expand business 

operations. This investment is projected to create 25 new jobs and retain 89 jobs. 

Charleston 2020 Water Well Project | Charleston, MS

DRA Investment: $256,096; Total Investment: $556,096

The City of Charleston will use DRA funds to rehabilitate the water well and elevated tank serving the City’s Industrial Park. This investment is projected to affect 736 families. 

Community Infrastructure Fund

Ceres Site B Access Road Construction | Vicksburg, MS

DRA Investment: $256,500; Total Investment: $846,900

The Warren County Port Commission will use DRA funds to construct an industrial access road to Site B in the Ceres 

Industrial Park. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Water System Improvements - Sylvarena | Sylvarena, MS

DRA Investment: $147,721; Total Investment: $692,721

The Town of Sylvarena will use DRA funds to repair and replace existing water wells and to improve services to residents and 

businesses. This investment is projected to affect 227 families. 

Sewer Improvements - Heidelberg | Heidelberg, MS

DRA Investment: $171,155; Total Investment: $180,155

The Town of Heidelberg will use DRA funds to repair its sewer system and to improve services to residents and businesses. This 

investment is projected to affect 321 families. 

Drew/Mississippi Delta Online Grocery Delivery Program | Drew, MS

DRA Investment: $167,498; Total Investment: $656,463

The City of Drew will use DRA funds to renovate and reconfigure the Senator Robert L. Crook Armory building to improve grocery 

services to residents. This investment is projected to create two jobs. 

Sardis 2020 Downtown Sewer Improvements | Sardis, MS

DRA Investment: $85,000; Total Investment: $250,000

The Town of Sardis will use DRA funds to rehabilitate approximately 500 feet of water lines, sewer lines, and streets in the downtown 

area to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to affect 769 families. 
76 77

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Total DRA Investment: $554,450; Total Investment: $1,599,450

Tate County will use DRA funds to improve the surface of Hogfoot Road to improve services to businesses and residents.

This investment is projected to create two new jobs and retain eight jobs. 

MISSOURI 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Emergency Communication Tower Relocation | Jackson, MO

DRA Investment: $55,442; Total Investment: $73,042

Cape Girardeau County will use DRA funds to demolish an existing communications tower and relocate emergency communications 

equipment onto an existing water tower to improve the public safety of residents. 

Bourbon Sewer Improvements | Bourbon, MO

DRA Investment: $134,217; Total Investment: $147,030

The City of Bourbon will use DRA funds to install a UV disinfection system at its wastewater treatment facility to improve services to 

residents. This investment is projected to affect 785 families. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Cleveland Phase II Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project | Cleveland, MS

DRA Investment: $1,014,000; Total Investment: $8,304,549

The City of Cleveland will use DRA funds to construct a sanitary sewer system project to improve services to residents.

This investment is projected to affect 4,460 families. 

Emergency Response and Training Station | Greenwood, MS

DRA Investment: $250,000; Total Investment: $2,095,000

The University of Mississippi Medical Center will use DRA funds to construct an Emergency Response Station and training hub at the 

Greenwood-Leflore Airport for the medically underserved Mississippi Delta residents. This investment is projected to retain 15 jobs 

and train 1,200 individuals. 

Combined Funding of States’ Economic Development Assistance Program and Community Infrastructure Fund

City of Hernando AWG Fire Protection Project | Hernando, MS

CIF Investment: $500,000; SEDAP Investment: $160,500

Total DRA Investment: $660,500; Total Investment: $660,500

The City of Hernando will use DRA funds to build a 350,000-gallon ground tank with accompanying pumps for fire protection to serve 

a new commercial facility. This investment is projected to create 79 new jobs. 

Tate County Hogfoot Road Improvement Project | Senatobia, MS

CIF Investment: $277,225; SEDAP Investment: $277,225
78 79

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Agricenter International Innovation District | Memphis, TN

DRA Investment: $400,000; Total Investment: $500,000

Agricenter International will use DRA funds to construct infrastructure to expand an agricultural research park and provide 

opportunities for business expansion. 

Sharon Well Replacement Project | Sharon, TN

DRA Investment: $100,000; Total Investment: $587,140

The Town of Sharon will use DRA funds to install a new 10-inch well to improve services to residents. This investment is projected to 

affect 481 families. 

City of Savannah Sewer Rehabilitation Project | Savannah, TN

DRA Investment: $254,179; Total Investment: $267,286

The City of Savannah will use DRA funds to rehabilitate existing manholes and make sewer system repairs to the Central 

Business District. This investment is projected to affect 2,857 families. 

City of Lexington Lift Station Replacement | Lexington, TN

DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Investment: $1,268,650

The City of Lexington will use DRA funds to replace and relocate a sewer lift station to improve services to residents and 

businesses. This investment is projected to affect 3,406 families. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Perry County Road 910 Upgrades | Perryville, MO

DRA Investment: $311,080; Total Investment: $390,252

Perry County will use DRA funds to pave and install stormwater drainage on Perry County Road 910 to improve services to businesses 

and residents. This investment is projected to create three new jobs and retain 16 jobs. 

Digital Workforce Training & Employment Initiative | Cape Girardeau, MO

DRA Investment: $170,650; Total Project Investment: $370,650

The Marquette Tech District Foundation will use DRA funds to provide software engineering training, internships, and entrance into a 

National Rural Source Employment network. This investment is projected to create 24 new jobs and train 150 individuals. 

TENNESSEE 2020 INVESTMENTS 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

38126 Innovation & Technology Center | Memphis, TN

DRA Investment: $360,000; Total Investment: $1,280,000

The South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation will use DRA funds to construct a new 10,500 square foot 

commercial building for an Innovative Technology Center to provide workforce development and training opportunities for residents.

This investment is projected to create 20 new jobs and train 70 individuals. 
80 81

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Crockett County Distributor Site Improvements | Bells, TN

DRA Investment: $135,300; Total Investment: $43,343,165

Crockett County will use DRA funds to extend water service to a new distribution center adjacent to US 412/SR 20.

This investment is projected to create 50 new jobs and retain two jobs. 

Infrastructure Expansion - Lexington | Lexington, TN

DRA Investment: $337,906; Total Investment: $3,337,906

The City of Lexington will use DRA funds to provide water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure to an agricultural processing

facility to provide for new business growth. This investment is projected to retain 15 jobs. 

Community Infrastructure Fund

Water System Improvements – Lake County Industrial Site and Port of Cates Landing | Tiptonville, TN

DRA Investment: $1,519,000; Total Investment: $19,519,000

The City of Tiptonville will use DRA funds to improve the water storage tank and water system at the Port of Cates Landing and the 

Lake County Industrial Complex. This investment is projected to create 100 new jobs, train 100 individuals, and affect 49 families. 
82 83

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

West Kentucky Community & Technical College | Paducah, KY: West Kentucky Community & Technical College will use DRA 

funding to support its LPN-to-RN Accelerated Bridge program. The program will pair an online preparatory course with a simulation 

lab and mentoring to improve exam pass rates, helping participants to complete the RN program in as little as one year. This ultimately 

will alleviate a critical shortage of RNs entering the workforce while also improving employment opportunities, earning potential, and 

long-term employment. The investment is projected to train up to 45 LPNs with advanced nursing education.

DRA Investment: $106,580

LOUISIANA 2020 INVESTMENTS

Research Park Corporation | Baton Rouge, LA: Research Park Corporation will use DRA funding to expand Apprenti Louisiana, a 

nationally recognized registered apprenticeship program. The expansion will develop apprenticeship programs for 13 new employer 

partners within 57 parishes to meet the growing demand for tech talent across Louisiana. The investment is projected to train up to 

48 individuals.

DRA Investment: $149,983

Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA: Nicholls State University will use DRA funding to provide enhanced training and support 

activities to a regional workforce aligned with a state, regional, and community economic development strategy as well as leverage 

partner resources with grant funding to expand training capacity, create a sustainable program, and increase cybersecurity knowledge. 

The investment is projected to train up to 147 incumbent, displaced, civilian, and redundant workers in cybersecurity/cyber-defense.

DRA Investment: $150,000

Delta Workforce Grant Program

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

ARKANSAS 2020 INVESTMENTS

Restore Hope, Inc. | Little Rock, AR: Restore Hope, Inc. will use DRA funding to establish a recovery-to-work program in White 

County for individuals affected by substance use disorder. The investment is projected to train 16 individuals for high-demand careers 

in the metal fabrication industry. 

DRA Investment: $130,000

Southeast Arkansas College | Pine Bluff, AR: Southeast Arkansas College will use DRA funding to establish a certificate program 

in Supply Chain Transportation Technology to prepare program participants for commercial truck licensure. The investment is projected 

to train 45 individuals for high-demand careers in the transportation and logistics industry. 

DRA Investment: $150,000

KENTUCKY 2020 INVESTMENTS

Green River Area Development District | Owensboro, KY: The Hire to Operate (H2O) project will use DRA funding to support the 

Kentucky Rural Water Association’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices will become certified Water/Wastewater Systems 

Operation Specialists through Related Technical Instruction and on-the-job training. H2O will elevate the required skills to meet 

progressing technology standards and create a talent pipeline for local utilities to replenish the qualified pool of operators. The

investment is projected to train ten individuals in Henderson, McLean, Union, and Webster counties.

DRA Investment: $150,000
84 85

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

Missouri State University – West Plains | West Plains, MO: Missouri State University – West Plains will use DRA funding to 

purchase needed equipment for advanced workforce training in robotics. The investment is projected to train 50-75 individuals, 

including dislocated workers, new entrants in the workforce, incumbent workers, and underrepresented groups such as women, 

veterans, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities.

DRA Investment: $94,880

TENNESSEE 2020 INVESTMENTS

ProGeny Place | Memphis, TN: ProGeny Place, in coordination with The GradUS Project, will use DRA funding to enroll domestic 

violence victims into a newly designed, four-week Food-Based Manufacturing and Distribution industry certification program at 

Southwest Tennessee Community College. The investment is projected to train 20 individuals.

DRA Investment: $102,410

Rural Health Association of Tennessee | Decaturville, TN: The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will use DRA funding to 

create a “pre-apprenticeship” program for nursing assistants and nursing aids designed to help alleviate the regional nursing shortage.

The investment is projected to train up to 500 individuals.

DRA Investment: $149,060

theCO | Jackson, TN: theCO will use DRA funding to launch the Dev Catalyst Alumni Program, which will support workforce 

readiness training, develop a portfolio showcase, establish a peer mentorship network, and bridge connections to regional job and 

internship opportunities in computer science, web development, and data management. The investment is projected to train up to 

1,800 individuals.

DRA Investment: $76,800

Delta Workforce Grant Program

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

University of Holy Cross | New Orleans, LA: The University of Holy Cross, in partnership with Delgado Community College, will use 

DRA funding to support the growing food service and manufacturing sector by providing scholarship support for culinary professionals 

working toward an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Culinology®. The investment is projected to train at least 10 individuals.

DRA Investment: $150,000

MISSISSIPPI 2020 INVESTMENTS

Griot Arts | Clarksdale, MS: Griot Arts will use DRA funding to provide a 16-week job training program that will establish an 

internship-to-job pipeline for local employers. The program will reduce the fiscal burden internships create for employers while 

preparing the future workforce for sustainable careers. The investment is projected to train up to 35 individuals.

DRA Investment: $127,300

MISSOURI 2020 INVESTMENTS 

Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation | Portageville, MO: The Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation will use 

DRA funding to provide apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and agricultural entrepreneurial opportunities to meet the identified 

workforce needs of the agribusiness and agriculture-adjacent industries. The investment is projected to train up to 50 individuals 

throughout six counties in Southeast Missouri.

DRA Investment: $150,000
86 87

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties & Parishes

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties/Parishes

DRA Counties & Parishes

DRA serves 252 counties and parishes across its eight-state region:

Alabama:

Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, 

Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, 

Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, 

Washington, Wilcox

Arkansas:

Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, 

Clay, Cleveland, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, 

Desha, Drew, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Independence, 

Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, 

Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, 

Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, 

Searcy, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, 

White, Woodruff

Illinois:

Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, 

Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, 

Randolph, Saline, Union, White, Williamson

Kentucky:

Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, 

Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, 

Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, 

McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, Webster

Louisiana:

Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, 

Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell, Cameron, 

Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, 

East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, 

Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, 

Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, 

Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison,

Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, 

Lousiana (cont.):

Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, 

Richland, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, 

St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, 

St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Union, 

Vermillion, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West 

Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn

Mississippi:

Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Carroll, 

Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, DeSoto, Franklin, 

Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, 

Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, 

Lafayette, Lawrence, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, 

Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pike, 

Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, 

Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tunica, 

Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, 

Yalobusha, Yazoo
88 89

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties & Parishes

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties/Parishes

Distressed & Non-Distressed Counties & Parishes

Distressed and Non-Distressed 

Counties and Parishes for FY 2020

Determination of a 

Distressed County/Parish: 

Unemployment rate of one percent 

higher (5.7 percent) than the national 

average (4.7 percent) for the most recent 

24-month period; or have a per capita 

income of 80 percent or less of the 

national per capita income.

DRA serves 252 counties and parishes across its eight-state region:

Missouri:

Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, 

Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, 

Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, 

Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, 

Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Stoddard, Texas, 

Washington, Wayne, Wright

Tennessee:

Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, 

Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, 

Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy, 

Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley

Distressed

Non-Distressed

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER

BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

CALDWELL BUTLER

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE

MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES

BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE

BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION

OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN

SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

Determination of a Distressed County/Parish:

Unemployment rate of one percent higher (5.2 percent) than the national 

average (4.2 percent) for the most recent 24-month period; or have a per 

iif 80 lf hil ii

Distressed

Non-Distressed
Delta Regional Authority

Creating Jobs. Building Communities. Improving Lives.

236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400 | Clarksdale, MS 38614

400 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 365 | Washington, DC 20001

dra.gov